Kuching Kitty

Flickr -- April 27, 2010

2010-04-27T08:21:00.001-07:00

Kuching (aka Laddoo, Moonpie, Miss Fatty Patty)
Originally uploaded by Kuching Kitty

I am really behind on 23 Things Kansas, but this week I am attempting to play catch up. Today is Flickr. I have never used this before, but I really like the idea of it -- especially as a repository for pictures you don't want to lose. I tried uploading two pictures and this is the first one. May I introduce you to Kuching. We found her at the Humane Society and when she and my husband met I couldn't tear them apart.

I like cats and so when I was exploring Flickr I typed in Library Cats and there were quite a few. There is something so appealing to me about having a cat in the library. They are mostly calm and serene and can fit in any little spot. Just having a cat to pet can calm an angry patron, give enjoyment to children, and help soothe the nerves of librarians.

I know it is not possible to have cats in all libraries and I am glad for the ones that can have them. I always know I am going to like an establishment that has a cat reigning over the business of the day.

Webinars

2010-02-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

I am really behind the times. I missed last week's 23 Things Kansas assignment and now I find I am playing catchup. Last week we were supposed to listen to a webinar and comment on it. I listened to a book discussion of the book Manhunt on Opal which was interesting and a little disconcerting. I found it interesting that you have someone discussing a book and, as far as I can tell, no one else in the room. To be able to comment you would send messages. It doesn't give you the same ability to interact with people as if you were in the same room where you could see their faces and judge there reactions to comments being made. And I like to see people's faces when they are talking.

I have had the opportunity to attend a few webinars and I can see how beneficial they are. There is no problem with attending as long as you have a computer. You don't have to worry about the expense of traveling and staying in a hotel. More people are able to attend from one institution. They are really great in bad economic times. I do miss the ability of going to conferences or workshops. I always enjoyed going somewhere to learn something new. I always felt rejuvenated and came back to work with more energy. However, I foresee we will see more and more webinars and the days of going to workshops may be a thing of the past.

Week 2 - 23 Things Kansas - Social Networking

2010-01-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

It is kind of late in the week of the second week of 23 Things Kansas and I have finally gotten around to working on the assignment. Fortunately, this one was an easy one for me since I already have an account on Facebook. I got started on it when my husband had to use Facebook for one of his graduate classes. He created his own account. Suddenly we were being inundated with friend requests from friends we hadn't been in contact with for years. Now my husband's family is contacting us and we are becoming friends with them.

Finally I began my own account. I have gotten in touch with a couple of friends who I wouldn't normally be in contact with since they both live in another state. I have a lot of the same friends my husband has on his account, but I have gone a little bit further by becoming fans of two libraries.

I find I don't post things on the wall that much because I am not sure that everyone is interested in what I have to say, but I use the e-mail section quite a bit. I correspond with nieces that reside in New Zealand, India, and England. One of my nieces is always on Facebook so it is really quick to get in touch with her and see what is up. If I am lucky I can chat with her too.

One of the ways I have used Facebook is to upload photos to it which would have meaning to quite a few people. If you were to look at my account you wouldn't see the photos -- they are all on my husband's account. Did I mention that I am responsible for both accounts. Even though he signed up on Facebook, he rarely sits down and looks at it. I am the one who checks and responds on both. I am going to have to figure out how to change this. :)

Week One: Blogging

2010-01-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

I've always thought it would be interesting to do a blog, but I wasn't sure what I would talk about. So here I am sharing my thoughts with the world. I heard about 23 Things Kansas through KANLIB-L, my boss, and others. I was so busy with work I didn't take time to sign up for it. When I tried to enroll, I saw that I was too late. Then I found out that I had a second chance and I took it.

I work as a librarian with a public library which I really enjoy. Having worked in special libraries and a university library, I have found a connection working in the public library setting. I enjoy answering reference questions and being a reader's advisor and selecting for the library. We deal with many interesting patrons -- some colorful and others not so colorful. My family always tells me I should write a book about my experiences in the library, but I am not that brave.